Following confirmation of the final tally, Rebelo de Sousa early Thursday called on Montenegro to form a government. The centre-right politician is expected to announce his cabinet next week and be sworn in as prime minister on April 2.
“We will have a strong economy and public services that give hope to young people and address people's problems,” Montenegro said on social media. “We make a difference.”
March's election, which had an above-average turnout, was held after the sudden resignation of Socialist Party leader Antonio Costa following an influence investigation last fall.
The election result was a blow to the Socialist Party, which had its worst performance since 2011, but a victory for the populist party Chega, which will play a decisive role in Portugal's political future.
Neither left-wing nor center-right parties have enough seats in parliament to form a majority. That means Montenegro would have to strike a deal across the aisle or negotiate with Chega to pass the bill, something he has repeatedly vowed not to do.
Rebelo de Sousa could dissolve parliament as early as next autumn and call new elections, but the Portuguese president will not bring voters back to the polls until 2026, when his mandate ends. He said he hopes that.
